Buying a new or used caravan? | Aussie Leisure Loans

When purchasing your first caravan, you will face a dilemma—should you buy a new caravan or a used one? The perfect caravan is different for everyone. At the end of the day, it all depends on what you want out of your caravanning experience.

To help you make an informed choice, let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of new and used caravans.

What should you consider when buying a caravan?

Before you shop around for a new or used caravan, you need to figure out where your priorities lie. Ask yourself the following questions so you can narrow down your options:

What do you need the caravan for? Caravans are multi-purpose leisure vehicles. They can be used for family holidays, weekend camping trips, temporary homes, and more. Focus on your needs and let them guide you to the right caravan.
How often do you plan to use it? The frequency of use will affect the caravan you choose. The type of caravan you need to travel across Australia for a few months, for example, will be totally different from caravans made for quick family trips.
How many people will use the caravan? Choosing the caravan with the right capacity will help make everyone feel comfortable while caravanning.
What is your budget? This is one of the most important factors you need to consider when you buy a caravan. Calculate potential caravan loan repayments to see how much you can comfortably afford.

Now that you have an idea of what kind of caravan you need, it’s time to figure out if a new or used caravan is a better fit.

Buying a new caravan

Between the two, only a new caravan can give you full confidence that what you’re buying has zero issues. You can expect it to be in the best shape in terms of quality and performance.

If by chance there is a minor issue upon purchase, then you don’t have to worry either, thanks to the warranty. This puts the burden on the manufacturer to fix the problem at little to no cost to you.

Other advantages of buying a new caravan include:

Better features and more advanced technology. With a new caravan, you’re getting the latest amenities, fresh aesthetics, and overall improved design. The newest models will likely have upgraded features and technology. New caravans can also have custom layouts to match your exacting needs.
Fewer maintenance requirements. As it’s brand new and had no previous owners, it’s easier to maintain because it’s in better condition. Less maintenance required could also mean lower maintenance costs.
Lower insurance fees. Brand new caravans typically have lower insurance fees because they don’t have all the wear and tear a used caravan would have.

There are disadvantages to buying a new caravan, mainly, the price tag. Caravans don’t usually come cheap and a brand new caravan can be quite expensive. If you’re not planning to be a serious caravanner, it might not be justifiable to pay for the steep price of a new caravan.

Buying a used caravan

The biggest benefit of buying a used caravan is saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. The more dated the caravan, the more affordable it gets. However, if you get a newer second-hand caravan, there’s less chance of quality and performance issues. You’ll also get to experience some features of a newer caravan.

More advantages to buying a used caravan include:

Great for caravanning beginners. Buying a brand new caravan can be daunting for a lot of novice caravanners. If you don’t have a lot of caravanning experience, a used caravan is a great way to see if you like caravanning and practice without spending a lot. You can also use it as sparingly as you want without feeling guilty about investing too much money in it.
Slower depreciation. Just like other vehicles, caravans depreciate quickly. If you’re buying a used caravan, you can expect a slower rate of depreciation compared to new caravans.

Buying a used caravan comes with some downsides, as well. With a cheaper price tag comes several drawbacks such as potential hidden issues and often no warranties, even if purchased from a dealer.

Aesthetically, you shouldn’t expect too much with used caravans, either. Depending on their age and mileage, they may already have several scratches, paint damages, and rusty parts. Lastly, if the used caravan has no insurance coverage left, you will have to spend more to get it covered.

New vs Old: Which is the better caravan choice?

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re not too hung up on getting the latest features and want to save a few bucks, buying a reliable used caravan is a great idea. On the flip side, buying a brand-new caravan can be ideal if you want something that’s top-of-the-line with more longevity.

Buy your next caravan with a caravan loan

Whether you’re buying a new or used caravan, the best way to finance your purchase is with a low-rate caravan loan. Aussie Leisure Loans can help you find the best loan that’s tailor fit to your needs. We even offer conditional loan approval, so you’ll have confidence when shopping at the dealerships.

Call us today on 1300 889 669 or apply online and one of our agents will contact you to discuss your next caravan purchase.

FAQ

Can you buy a caravan on finance?

Yes, you can buy a caravan using caravan finance. There’s a range of caravan loans for you to choose from. If you want to avoid the stress of looking for the perfect loan, Aussie Leisure Loans is here to do all the heavy lifting for you. Get a quick quote today!

Are caravans high maintenance?

Caravans typically need servicing every 12 months or every 10,000 kilometres. Depending on the type of caravan you have, they’re not particularly high maintenance.

Is buying a caravan a good investment?

Caravans are like cars investment-wise. This means that instead of appreciating in value over time, caravans typically depreciate. However, if you’re caravanning or going on long trips more than once a year, buying a caravan may be more cost-effective compared to renting one.

How much does it cost to buy a caravan?

Caravans can cost from $12,500 to over $80,000 depending on the type, layout, and amenities. Used caravans are usually much cheaper compared to their newer counterparts.

Can I buy land and live in a caravan?

Living in a caravan as your permanent residence is not allowed even if it's on your own property. You’re allowed to live in a caravan on your property for only 30 days a year. If you’re going to camp on a lot, it usually requires a permit and only for a limited time.

Can I buy a caravan through my business?

You may be able to buy a car for business purposes if you’re required to travel a lot. The cost of the caravan may be tax deductible, but it’s best to check with an accountant beforehand.

What to look for when buying a caravan?

When buying a caravan, you need to look at the price, size, layout, and amenities. These are the basic factors you must consider before finalising your caravan purchase.